HR 664: Delegation from Wexford, Ireland; visit to the Georgia State Capitol; honor

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives welcoming a delegation from Wexford County, Ireland, during their visit to the Georgia State Capitol. It does not change any law. Instead, it formally recognizes the historical and ongoing relationship between Georgia and Wexford, including educational partnerships like Georgia Southern University's learning center in Ireland and the TradeBridge economic development initiative connecting Coastal Georgia and Southeast Ireland. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy for distribution to the Wexford delegation as a keepsake of the honor. It carries no funding, penalties, or enforceable requirements; it is a formal statement of welcome and goodwill from the House.

• Formally honors the visiting delegation from Wexford County, Ireland, on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Recognizes historical, educational, and economic ties between Georgia and Wexford, including Georgia Southern University's campus in Ireland.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the Wexford delegation.
• Expresses hope for continued collaboration and friendship between Georgia and Ireland without creating any binding legal obligation.

The visiting delegation from Wexford County, Ireland, is the direct subject of the honor. Georgia Southern University, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives are also referenced in connection with existing partnerships and the distribution of the resolution.

The resolution has no legal effect and creates no new rules, funding, or requirements. Its significance is symbolic, publicly acknowledging an educational and economic partnership between Coastal Georgia and Southeast Ireland that includes a university campus and a trade initiative.

• Recites the history of cultural and economic exchange between Georgia and County Wexford, including the 1845 voyage of the barque Dunbrody to Savannah.
• Notes that Georgia Southern University's Wexford Campus is the first learning center a U.S. public university has established in Ireland, serving over 300 students.
• References a Memorandum of Understanding between Georgia Southern University and South East Technological University on coastal sustainability and manufacturing research.
• Describes TradeBridge, an economic development initiative among Georgia Southern University, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Wexford County Council, and Wexford Enterprise Center.
• Resolves that the House honors the Wexford delegation and directs the Clerk to provide them a copy of the resolution.

1. 2025-03-20House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-20House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-20House Hopper (House)

• James Burchett (R, HD-176)Primary sponsor

• Georgia-Ireland relations
• ceremonial resolution
• Georgia Southern University
• international partnerships
• economic development